Intralogistics, warehouses and trees? – this doesn’t seem like an obvious grouping – until now. Jungheinrich, a leading intralogistics company in the large-scale warehousing industry, joined hands with Greenpop in 2022 to help restore forests and make a tangible impact. In an industry that demands efficiency and precision, eco-friendly practices haven’t always been a top priority, but Junheinrich’s sustainable technology and ongoing partnership with Greenpop showcases their commitment to making a difference in everything they do.

Setting the industry standard

Founded in Hamburg in 1953, Jungheinrich AG is amongst the world’s top three companies specialising in intralogistics, and when taking a look at what they have to offer, it’s not hard to tell why. From revolutionary lithium-ion vehicles that produce up to 21% less CO2 emissions, to the facilitation of the automation and digitisation of warehouse storage that enhances energy efficiency. They are also a leading pioneer in automation. By utilising automatic stacker cranes, they are optimising storage space with taller, narrower buildings, minimising the need for larger, wider structures.

Taking Tangible Steps to Make a Difference

The consequences of industrial expansion are an unfortunate side effect of many industries. This is of particular concern within the African context, with the rate of urbanisation rising more rapidly than any other continent in the world. Africa experiences one of the highest deforestation rates on the planet, with a loss of around 3.9 million hectares per year. 

While the ecological repercussions are far-reaching, more eco-conscious businesses like Junghenrich are stepping up to support interventions and foster a more balanced and sustainable future. Here at Greenpop, holistic ecosystem restoration is at the very core of everything we do. We have planted over 250,000 trees since our first tree planting event back in 2011, thanks to integral partnerships we forge with companies like Jungheinrich, whose support helps make this work possible. 

The Growing Story of our Local Partnership

In 2022 Jungheinrich made a formal Pledge to support our Forests For Life project with every sale they make – a collaboration that has provided immense support for our reforestation work! For each forklift that Jungheinrich sells, they sponsor trees with Greenpop, amounting to over 2430 trees in our 2-year partnership so far! The team is also keen to get their hands dirty for our Urban Greening Programme and will be joining the Greenpop team out in the field for a hands-on Garden Day in the near future.

Jungheinrich sponsors restoration efforts in the Uilenkraal Valley Restoration Project as part of their pledge – the southernmost Afro-temperate forest in Africa. The Platbos Forest is particularly unique due to its broad composition of flora and fauna species and unusual location atop sunny slopes, unlike any other forest in South Africa. It is home to ancient 1000-year-old trees and endangered species like the vulnerable Cape Leopard that prowls its edges. 

Platbos Forest custodian, Francois, thanks Jungheinrich for their incredible, ongoing support: “We are blessed to have them, and I don’t think that they truly appreciate how much happiness it brings to those of us who live here.”

Check out the incredible impact Jungheinrich is having on the wonderful people and ecosystem of Platbos:

But their support goes far beyond planting trees. Our Forest for Life project focuses on people, planet, and the climate and takes a pro-community stance to provide sustainable solutions to local issues. This means we also focus on managing alien vegetation, reducing unsustainable forest use, adapting to climate change, creating community nurseries and so much more.

Our programs go on to provide environmental education activities to inspire more action wherever we can. Jungheinrich’s impact is therefore not only putting trees into the earth, it is tackling complex challenges and inspiring others around the country to be a part of the Treevolution. 

Jungheinrich’s Sustainability Efforts:

• Partnership with Greenpop: Supporting our Forest for Life project and helping us restore indigenous forests in South Africa.

• Reforestation Campaign in Brazil: Jungheinrich Brazil celebrated its 20th anniversary by planting 20 trees in the Atlantic forest for every electric forklift sold or rented in the country.

• • Platinum EcoVadis Award: Receiving Platinum status in the EcoVadis sustainability rating, Jungheinrich is among the world’s top 1% of most sustainable companies. 

• Aiming for CO2 Neutral Batteries: A new battery storage facility in Germany is housing batteries intended for reuse in Jungheinrich’s vehicles, and aims to produce 100% CO2-neutral batteries on-site in the future.
• Carbon Neutrality: Working with the Science Based Targets Initiative, Jungheinrich aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

“Jungheinrich and I have a common goal to make the world more sustainable through e-mobility and smart technologies” – Jungheinrich Founder, Nico Rosberg. 

(Read more about their sustainability strategy here).

Read more about Greenpop’s Forest Restoration work and its impact in our 2023 endline report here.

Just like a forest relies on critical interconnected relationships to thrive, a greener future requires collaboration and a shared drive to make a long-term impact. We are immensely grateful to Jungheinrich for their partnership with us.

Their commitment shows that sustainability is not confined to any one sector of the working world. Their active stance is inspiring and an indication that any business in any industry can take the necessary steps toward an environmentally friendly future, where we can live congruently with nature once again.